Agilent Technologies N9310A User Manual

Programming Fundamentals 5
N9310A User’s Guide 91
Getting Started with SCPI
Programming with SCPI (Standard Command of
Programmable Instrument) requires following knowledges:
• Computer programming languages, such as C, C++, and
Microsoft®Visual Basic®.
• The language of your instrument. The N9310A employs
SCPI as its programming language.
The semantic requirements of your controller’s language
determine how the programming commands and responses
are handled in your application program.
An Introduction to the SCPI Language
SCPI is an ASCII- based instrument command language
designed for test and measurement instruments, with the
goal of reducing automatic test equipment (ATE) program
development time.
SCPI accomplishes this goal by providing a consistent
programming environment for instrument control and data
usage. This consistent programming environment is achieved
by the use of defined program messages, instrument
responses, and data formats across all SCPI instruments.
By providing a consistent programming environment,
replacing one SCPI instrument with another SCPI instrument
in a system will usually require less effort than with
non- SCPI instrument.
SCPI is not a standard which completely provides for
interchangeable instrumentation. SCPI helps move toward
interchangeability by defining instrument commands and
responses, but it does not define instrument functionality,
accuracy, resolution, connectors, etc.

Agilent Technologies N9310A Specifications

General

Brand	Agilent Technologies
Model	N9310A
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Overview of Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator

Agilent N9310A At a Glance

Provides a summary of the Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator's general purpose applications.

Front Panel Overview

Details the front panel layout and functions of the Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator.

Rear Panel Overview

Getting Started with the Signal Generator

Check Shipment and Order List

Safety Notices and Precautions

Important warnings and cautions to ensure personal and instrumental safety before operating the device.

Environmental Requirements

Electrical Requirements

Power On and Check Procedure

Step-by-step guide for powering on the signal generator and performing initial checks.

Using Signal Generator Functions

Generating a CW Signal

Procedure for generating a Continuous Wave (CW) signal by setting frequency and amplitude.

Generating a Step Swept Signal

Guide to configuring and generating step swept signals in RF, LF, or amplitude modes.

Generating a Modulated Signal

Instructions for preparing and generating AM, FM, Phase, and Pulse modulated signals.

Saving and Recalling Instrument States

Programming Fundamentals

Remotely Operating the N9310A

Getting Started with SCPI Programming

Introduction to SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) language.

Instrument Messages and Error Handling

Command Errors

Lists and explains specific command errors encountered during operation.

Execution Conflicts

System Errors